Orioles to interview John Stockstill for top exec job

Dan Connolly, The Baltimore Sun

For the first time since embarking on a search to find a new top executive, the Orioles are looking inward.

On Friday, the team's committee will interview John Stockstill, the club's player-development director, for the position vacated when president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail stepped down this month.

Stockstill, 51, joined the Orioles in December 2005 to be in charge of pro scouting and was given the title of international scouting director when the club began focusing efforts overseas in 2008. That venture culminated with the signing of Japanese pitcher Koji Uehara in 2009; the organization's focus on international scouting has lagged since, however.

In April 2010, Stockstill switched titles with his older brother, David, and was put in charge of the organization's struggling farm system as player-development director.

Before coming to Baltimore, Stockstill spent his entire professional career — as a minor league player, scout and executive — in the Chicago Cubs organization.

Regardless of title, Stockstill has maintained a high profile within the Orioles' organization, handling several special assignments, including pitcher Alfredo Simon's troubles with the law in the Dominican Republic in January. Last week, Stockstill was in Japan scouting that country's professional players.

It was expected that Stockstill would be re-assigned within the organization this winter, but now he'll have a chance to detail his plan for fixing a big league club that has had a losing record in 14 consecutive seasons.

For the general manager search, the Orioles have sought candidates with expertise in scouting, development and international scouting, areas widely considered current weaknesses.